This year’s Athlete of the Year award goes to Nathan Branson. Nathan showed up to almost every run throughout the year—rain, shine, snow, or kitchen remodel! He will run with any runner who needs company, regardless of their pace, and has been known to extend his long run several miles so that people don’t run alone. Nathan has shown dedication to the team, and embodies what it means to be a team athlete. Way to go, Nathan! 

Our Athlete of the Year winner had a fantastic year. His consistent training helped him to participate in numerous races – most notably the Looney Challenge on TCM weekend in October. He PR’d in the 8K, 10K, 10mile, and half marathon.

Our athlete of the year for 216 had a year that was truly remarkable.  She raced a number of different distances and had at least 5 PRs, 7 Age Group Wins, 10 Top Ten race finished, 15 Age group top ten finishes, and 3 overall race wins.  Some of her accomplishments include completing her first Ironman triathlon at Madison, winning the Get Luck Half Marathon, and winning the Las Vegas Rock and Roll Las Vegas marathon.

This year’s service recognition award goes to Missie Jacobson. Missie took literally thousands of amazing photos at the smoosh race, volunteered at the track meet in June, cheered runners on after she finished running Grandma’s half, ran a station at the eggnog schlog, and made the awards for this year and last year’s award ceremony! When Missie is asked to help out, she says yes, even if it means she has to drive a long distance. Thank you, Missie!

Our service recognition award goes to an individual that has helped out the team both through volunteering as well as financially. She has helped out with tonight’s party – helping us find a location as well as being the liaison for Park Tavern. In addition, she helped out at volunteer events throughout the year. She donates proceeds from her Northstar Cabi shows back to Northstar to show her appreciation for the club. The appreciation is mutual – we are lucky to have her!

Ann works behind the scenes of Northstar Running to make so much of what we do happen.  You may not be aware of the work that contributes to even the simplest of club activities, but if you stop to think about the, Ann is the person who makes them happen.  The amazing running and casual gear that we sport with our Northstar logo and colors were researched, designed, ordered, and  often delivered to you by Ann.  The calendar to schedule daily runs is all orchestrated by Ann.  She makes sure that each run location has a connected map and time.  She makes sure that locations are appropriate to the type of workout we are doing, as well as balancing west and east side locations.  Without the tireless work she does, often with little acclaim, we would not be able to have the team we have today.

This year’s most improved award goes to Gavan Jacobson. Gavan worked hard to beat his time from last year’s Brian Kraft race, followed training plans, and worked hard to have great races at Grandma’s half and the TC 10 mile. He also started running cross country for his school. Gavan has shown dedication, determination, and a willingness to put the effort in for great results! 

Our most improved winner for 2018 showed significant improvement this year, despite dealing with injury. He has trained hard and consistently to achieve some major milestones. He had multiple PRs across multiple distances – 5K, 4 mile, 8K, 10K, 12K, 15K, and marathon. He broke the 3:00 hour barrier in the marathon as well.

When Meghan joins us I immediately saw her resolve as a person and as a runner.  She often run alone when she isn't matched up with a pace group.  She decided during 2016 to train for her first marathon.  She set her scheduled for running to complete the race and didn't waver from it.  Being one of the runners towards the back of the pack has never cause her to waiver in her determination.  She saw the hard work through and successfully completed her first marathon at Grand Rapids last fall.

We tried to count how many races Lisa Rippe raced or paced in 2022, but we lost count. Lisa participated in races almost every weekend. Often she was giving back to the running community through pacing for the races, but she also managed to earn several PRs along the way! When she wasn’t racing or pacing, she was coaching or volunteering for the running community in other ways. Way to go, Lisa!

Running a marathon is a challenge no matter the circumstances. It is even more challenging when adding a giant spray foam brain onto your head and running that same distance. That is exactly what this year’s performance of the year winner did for the Twin Cities Marathon. He not only ran the race but trained throughout his entire training cycle wearing the brain to acclimate his body to the additional weight. He raised money for Children’s Minnesota through Team Superstars and he also raised awareness for pediatric brain tumors.

Our performance of the year is from the Twin Cities marathon last fall.  Sat had only once run faster than a 4:30 marathon and trained consistently throughout the summer.  His training paid off on race day, where he logged a nearly 7 minute PR.  I was fortunate enough to run some of the final miles that day with Say, and I can only hope the I'm that tough late in a race.  He was obviously hurting and his energy tank was empty, but he never quit fighting for ever single step forward to the finish line.

This year’s team spirit award goes to the crew of Northstars who cheered until the end of the Twin Cities Marathon. The group in this picture did many things to support the TC Marathon weekend—some ran in the events, some were running up and down the course pacing people, others were there before sunrise getting things set up, but everyone was there cheering on the runners until the last marathoner came through. Great job, group!

This year’s team spirit winner consistently illustrates our mission as a team – to provide a fun and supportive community that encourages all runners to grow. He has been an asset to have on the trails – helping us navigate some new areas. He always shows up to the runs with a smile and is always willing to jump in and run with others.

Nathan joined this group of people several years ago as a casual runner.  He quickly caught the bug, and was soon training and running 10 milers, half marathons, end even full marathons.  Nathan is one of the personalities in this group that make it so welcoming and friendly.  He's always up to run with just about anyone, anytime, anywhere.  He's always positive and supportive of the team no matter what the situation.